It’s hard to make a trip to Budapest anything other than memorable and rewarding. The Hungarian capital is beautiful and packed with things to do. That said, there are a few easy mistakes that can make your trip feel more stressful than it needs to be.
Here are nine common things not to do in Budapest, so you can get the most out of your time and not run into any unnecessary headaches.
Don’t Rely on Rideshare Apps or Taxis to Get Around
Budapest has some of the best and easiest-to-use public transport in Central Europe. Between the buses, tram network, and metro (underground subway), getting from Point A to Point B efficiently is always doable using public transport.
BOLT and Uber operate in Budapest and are safe to use, but there’s no need to pay more for rideshare services when public transport can get you places just as quickly. Also, don’t use unmarked taxis. There’s a chance you’ll be charged more than you should be paying. If you have to go that route, Uber and BOLT are safer options.
Don’t Be Afraid to Try Learning Some Hungarian
Almost everyone who lives in Budapest can speak some English, particularly people younger than 50. However, learning some basic Hungarian words and phrases will go a long way in getting people to open up. Hungarians have a reputation for being reserved, but you’ll see that making an effort to learn their language will usually bring smiles to their faces.
Hungarian is a notoriously difficult language. I did my best to learn as much as I could and still ended up butchering most of what I tried to say. However, people really appreciated my efforts.
Some helpful Hungarian words to know include:
- Hi = Szia [see-ya]
- How are you? = Hogy vagy? [Hodge vadge]
- Thank you = Köszönöm [Koh-sur-nom]
- Sorry = Bocsánat [Bots-ana-t]
- I do not understand = Nem értem [Nem air-tem]
- What is your name = Hogy hívnak [hodge heev-nahk]
- Beer = Sör [Sure]
- Wine = Bor [Boar]
- Yes = Igen [Ea-gen]
- No = Nem [Nem]
One additional note: the city is actually pronounced “Boo-duh-PESHT.” Pronouncing that hidden ‘H’ is an easy way to show locals you aren’t just another clueless traveler.
Don’t Forget to Validate Your Public Transport Tickets
There’s a twist to riding public transport in Budapest involving ticket validation. In addition to buying your tickets for the bus, tram, or metro, you also need to validate them before riding. Many travelers don’t realize this, and riding with an unvalidated ticket can lead to an annoying fine if you’re caught during a random inspection.
Validation machines can be found in the front and back of buses and trams and typically on the platforms of metro stations. If you have a mobile ticket, you’ll simply scan the ticket’s barcode underneath the scanner. If you have a physical ticket, you’ll do the same, and it will get stamped by the machine, confirming validation.
Don’t Expect Everywhere to Have Air Conditioning
Budapest gets hot in the summer, and unfortunately, air conditioning remains hit or miss in many places.
Most hotels in the city center have air conditioning, as do many of the nicer restaurants and modern Airbnbs. However, even some highly rated Airbnbs may not have AC, so be sure to check before you book. If you’re visiting Budapest in the summer months, wear loose, dry-fit clothing so you’re comfortable even if you end up somewhere without AC.
Don’t Forget to Tip When Necessary
It’s important to learn about the tipping culture in Budapest before visiting. For sit-down dining service, you can tip around 10–12% for exceptional service. There’s no need to tip at coffee shops or when grabbing a drink at the bar. Make sure to check your bill after a sit-down meal, as sometimes the tip is auto applied.
Don’t Make Budapest All You See in Hungary
I strongly encourage seeing somewhere in Hungary besides Budapest. Thankfully, some of the best Budapest day trips are within a one-hour train ride or drive, so even if you’re in a time crunch, you can still see another part of the country.
Szentendre is the easiest Budapest day trip thanks to its proximity. This small city is 30 minutes upstream along the shores of the Danube, with a beautiful town center full of colorful cobbled streets and boutique galleries and shops. Visegrad Castle is one of my favorite castles in all of Europe, and it’s reachable by taking a 45-minute train and a short ferry across the Danube. There’s plenty more to see in that area too, with great hiking and a scenic bike path along the river.
Eger is a hidden gem of a city, though it’s about a two-hour train ride and probably warrants a one- or two-night stay.
Don’t Miss Out on Trying Popular Hungarian Foods
Hungarian food is hearty, and you can find the best of it in Budapest. Some foods you absolutely need to try include:
- Goulash
- Chicken Paprikash
- Langos
- Chimney Cake
- Hortobagyi Palacsinta
Make sure you do a little research ahead of time on where to find the best versions of dishes like goulash in Budapest so you’re getting the best of the best.
Don’t Drink in Public or Accept Drugs
Budapest is a very safe city for all kinds of travelers, including families, solo travelers, and female travelers, typically even at night. However, there are some easy ways to get yourself in trouble. Drinking in public is forbidden, so make sure to keep alcohol within the bar or restaurant you’re at.
There are very few places in Budapest where tourists are taken advantage of, but a couple of streets in the Jewish Quarter with the most popular nightlife are where you may get approached and offered drugs (mainly weed), especially around Szimpla Kert, the city’s most popular ruin bar.
Laws in Hungary are very strict regarding drug use, so if there’s one thing not to do in Budapest, it’s to partake in any illegal activities or substances.
Don’t Be in a Hurry
Budapest is one of those cities where almost all of the must-dos and main attractions are worth the hype. There’s a lot to see and do, but don’t feel like you have to rush through it. The beauty of Budapest is that, despite its size, it’s a great place to slow down.
Take a walk along the Danube. Go on a scenic river cruise. Get out of the tourist areas and go for a run in Varosliget Park. Rent a scooter and ride through the residential neighborhoods of District 6 and District 7. That slower pace is what makes the experience feel more complete instead of just checking boxes.
